Lewis Hamilton has described his ongoing contract negotiations with Mercedes as "a pain in the backside".

For the first time in his career the Briton is having to negotiate for himself having done away with the services of his father and subsequently Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment. Consequently, though both he and Mercedes are keen to conclude a deal a new contract has yet to be finalised.

Speaking in Malaysia, both Hamilton and Toto Wolff expected the deal to be agreed before this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, the third round of the 215 season. However, the Briton admits that having to go through every line of the contract is taking time.

"At the last race I said it would be done within a week," he told Sky Sports News. "This is my first time negotiating myself and you don't know how many times I've had to read about eighty pages.

"It is so much reading and it is all in lawyer jargon, so it has been quite a pain in the backside to be honest."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Hondawho?, 15/04/2015 20:31

"Possibly the only issue here is he wants a two year contact and they will not give him one!"

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2. Posted by Spindoctor, 10/04/2015 11:54

"I rather doubt he's doing this without Lawyers. He's merely cut out the agents whose efforts after he parted from his dad were much derided hereabouts I recall....

@Kkiirmki - doubtless even young Nico could win if Lewis weren't around. I'm surprised you're prepared to tolerate mediocrity...

@Hondawho - employ the driver who also lost to Lewis at McLaren? At least suggest they try someone who might be better: Ricciardo, Bottas, et al seem likely candidates."

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3. Posted by Kkiirmki, 09/04/2015 23:19

"The only issue here is money, Hamilton want's more than Mercedes is willing to pay. There are plenty of drivers who could win a world championship with this (Mercedes) car so he should stop being so greedy."

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4. Posted by Paul C, 09/04/2015 20:15

"Lewis, would you ask a solicitor or lawyer to drive your F1 car? Then please stick to driving and let a professional negotiate with Toto and Niki. "

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5. Posted by Hondawho?, 09/04/2015 16:04

"Reading a document is hardly "negotiations" its reading a document prepared AFTER negotiations. I am amazed that with his wealth, the little twerp cannot afford a lawyer!

Mind you what he says and what he means could be two different things. The rumour that Mercedes will NOT offer him a two year deal (2015 & 16) could be one of the sticking points of course and its his way of passing the blame.

Personally I hope they sack him, take on Alsonso and pass Mr Lewisham ilton back to Mclaren. But we can always hope!"

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6. Posted by Skidmarks, 09/04/2015 12:49

"Ermm

"It is so much reading and it is all in lawyer jargon, so it has been quite a pain in the backside to be honest."

Isn't that why drivers normally employ someone else to do it?"

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Hamilton: Contract negotiations "a pain"

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